Hello community, I need your help!

I am facing eviction a THIRD time and am very ill.

After years of flooding in my studio apartment — where I also ran my healing arts practice — I fell behind on rent due to health and income losses. I was facing eviction by Thanksgiving 2024, with over $30,000 in rent debt. The flooding (plus months of construction in neighboring renovated apartments), caused by a negligent upstairs neighbor, led to mold in the walls, ceiling damage, and the collapse of my business.

Thanks to emergency public assistance, I’ve reduced that debt to $11,722, but I still owe that amount plus ongoing rent, even as I recover from major health challenges and prepare for major abdominal surgery.

I’m 57, attempting a career change while dealing with cognitive decline, chronic illness, and severe fatigue.

Without help, I will likely enter the shelter system. Conditions there would destroy the little health I still have.

What I’m facing:

Adrenal Fatigue or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/EBV)

C-PTSD, memory loss, cognitive decline

Unresolved hypertension

A disabling scrotal hernia

A recent epilepsy diagnosis — with two hospitalizations and three grand mal seizures last fall

All of this was triggered or worsened by the stress of eviction, seven months of housing court, toxic mold exposure, and unlivable conditions — two years of construction noise and dust most weekdays and paint that fell from the ceiling onto my bed (see photos).

What I need:

$11,722 to pay off the remaining back rent and avoid court which caused my second and third seizures;

Living expenses for a few months while I recover from abdominal surgery, heal from current conditions and wait for SSI and housing support;

Please donate what you can OR promote my GoFundMe to your friends and colleagues.

If you have no money to give, please consider reposting on your social media.

Thanks so much!

Peace,

Derek Newman

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.